Soft Adventures in the Andes

Welcome! Please be prepared to meet in the lobby at 5:30 P.M. for your welcome meeting. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE).

After enjoying breakfast, check out of the hotel and embark on a transfer to the captivating mountain village of El Chalten. Relax and get your camera ready, as the route presents breathtaking vistas of the Fitz Roy mountain, serene lakes, and lots of wild guanacos. Upon your arrival and settling into your hotel, you'll have leisure time for lunch. Following this, a gentle hike to the "Mirador de Condores y Aguiles" awaits, allowing you to stretch your legs while marveling at the majestic panoramas of the mountains, city, and river. We recommend dressing in layers to adapt to the changing weather conditions. This means wearing a synthetic t-shirt, a fleece jacket, and a waterproof jacket on top; along with long underwear, lightweight and quick-drying hiking trousers, and, of course, sturdy hiking boots.

• Welcome Hike to "Mirador de Los Cóndores y Águilas"

  After completing your lunch, your local trekking guide will meet you at the hotel to embark on a brief 15-minute walk to reach the trailhead. El Chaltén, being a small mountain town, boasts easily walkable distances. The Mirador de Cóndores y Águilas awaits—a breathtaking viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the Patagonian wilderness. This gentle hike features soft slopes, revealing stunning views of rugged mountain ranges, including the iconic Fitz Roy peak, vast valleys, glacial lakes, and winding rivers. With luck, visitors might witness the majestic Andean condors soaring above the high mountains. The return hike follows the same path back to the hotel, leaving the rest of the afternoon free for leisurely exploration of the town. Carrying a small backpack with water and snacks is advisable, and trekking poles can be helpful. Please note that hiking activities are subject to weather conditions. Additionally, due to the secluded nature of the hike, restroom facilities won't be available along the trail. Duration: 3 hours | Difficulty: Easy | Length: 4 miles | Elevation change: 820ft

  16:30· 180 min· El Chalten
• Transfer · El Calafate → El Chalten

  After enjoying breakfast, you'll embark on a private transfer to the charming mountain village of El Chalten. The journey is incredibly scenic, traversing the expansive Patagonian steppe and offering picturesque vistas of the Argentino and Viedma lakes. If weather permits, you'll have the opportunity for a wonderful view of the Fitz Roy mountain range along the route. Please be aware that we've planned a halfway stop at La Leona for restroom breaks and shopping. You'll reach your hotel around noon, with some free time for lunch at your leisure.

  private · 380 min

Today is your free day, a chance to unwind surrounded by the unique Patagonia landscapes. Take this opportunity to relax or explore the town with leisurely strolls along the river. Feel free to ask your guide for recommendations on activities. El Chaltén boasts cozy cafes and delightful breweries where you can enjoy time with your fellow travelers. For those who want to take hiking to the next level, there's an optional hike to Laguna de Los Tres, one of Patagonia's most iconic hikes that offers unparalleled views of the Fitz Roy mountain range.

This morning is dedicated to a gentle adventure as we embark on a Via Ferrata experience. Set in a traditional Patagonian estancia, this activity promises breathtaking views of Fitz Roy. The Via Ferrata provides a secure and exhilarating climbing experience, blending climbing, hiking, and scrambling. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and layers to stay warm in the Patagonian wind. The afternoon is yours to explore the quaint Chalten village at your leisure.

• Via Ferrata at Estancia Bonanza

  After breakfast, your guide will lead a brief 5-minute walk to begin a 30-minute shared transfer. You'll arrive at Estancia Bonanza, a traditional Patagonian ranch nestled by the De Las Vueltas river, offering stunning views of the Fitz Roy mountain range. The Via Ferrata offers a secure and exciting climbing experience that combines climbing, hiking, and scrambling. It doesn’t require any prior climbing experience. The rock route is equipped with a steel cable anchored throughout, featuring ladder rungs, steel steps, and suspension bridges strategically placed along the iron path, facilitating progress through challenging terrain. The climb concludes with an exhilarating zip line, granting panoramic views of the valley, mountains, glaciers, and the Fitz Roy range. This Via Ferrata ensures safety by allowing a locked carabiner on your harness to slide over each permanent anchor point without detachment from the cable, ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience. The activity concludes at the ranch, where tea and traditional 'tortas fritas' will be served. Restrooms are available at the ranch, and additional food and snacks can be purchased at your own expense. Participants will need to walk approximately 1 mile on flat terrain to reach the base. The Via Ferrata extends 1800 ft with an elevation gain of 600 ft. Each participant receives a helmet, harness, gloves, and specialized lanyard. While no climbing skills are required, a general level of physical fitness is essential for continuous hiking and a sense of adventure. The certified shock absorbers accommodate a weight range between 80 to 260 lbs. Please note, this activity may not be suitable for those with a fear of heights. You will return to your hotel around noon, with free time to have lunch on your own.

  08:30· 240 min· El Chalten

Today, you'll embark on an adventure in the Huemules Reserve, a pristine area spanning 6,000 hectares dedicated to preserving natural resources and attractions. After breakfast, a brief transfer will whisk you away to Huemules for a half-day soft hike to the Blue and Green lagoons. Around midday, you'll enjoy a boxed lunch surrounded by the pure beauty of nature. In the afternoon, you'll return to your hotel, where you'll have free time to unwind. We recommend dressing in layers to adapt to the changing weather conditions. This means wearing a synthetic t-shirt, a fleece jacket, and a waterproof jacket on top; along with long underwear, lightweight and quick-drying hiking trousers, and, of course, sturdy hiking boots.

• Soft Hike at "Huemules Reserve"

  After enjoying breakfast, embark on a scenic 40-minute transfer to Estancia Huemules, nestled within a private natural reserve spanning around 6,000 hectares of protected wilderness. This exclusive hike offers a unique and serene opportunity to explore an area seldom visited by tourists. Within this pristine reserve, your guide will lead you along an easy path to reach two stunning lagoons, known as the Blue and Green Lagoons. The trail runs parallel to the Diablo River, crossing suspension bridges and offering breathtaking vistas. Around midday, your guide will select a sheltered spot for a packed lunch, providing a chance to recharge amidst the natural beauty. Be sure to carry a small backpack with water, lunch, and snacks, while trekking poles can offer additional support. Upon completing the hike, a waiting vehicle will transport you back to the hotel. Please note that hiking activities are subject to weather conditions. Duration: 3 hours | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate | Length: 6 miles | Elevation Change: 530 feet

  08:30· 360 min· El Chalten

Today marks your farewell to El Chalten, but not before one final soft hiking adventure to the Cerro Torre Viewpoint—an ideal spot to admire the majestic granite tower of Torre mountain, renowned among climbers worldwide. Around midday, you'll return to town with free time to enjoy lunch on your own before embarking on a private transfer back to El Calafate, arriving late in the afternoon. We recommend dressing in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions, including a synthetic t-shirt, a fleece jacket, and a waterproof jacket as outer layers, along with long underwear, lightweight and quick-drying hiking trousers, and sturdy hiking boots.

• Cerro Torre Viewpoint Hike

  After breakfast, your trekking guide will meet you, and you'll set off on foot from the hotel to the trailhead, a scenic 15-minute walk through the charming town. The trail begins with a gentle ascent through Patagonian forests and meadows. As you walk, keep an eye out for condors soaring overhead in search of their next meal! After a bit more climbing, you'll reach the Torre viewpoint. From here, take in panoramic views of the entire Torre Valley, with its striking terminal moraines from various ice ages scattered across the foreground. In the distance, marvel at the granite spires of Torre and Fitz Roy, along with their surrounding peaks. Take a moment to soak in the scenery and listen to captivating climbing tales shared by your guide. Then, retrace your steps back to El Chaltén, this time enjoying views of the steppe and other mountains. Please note that this hike is subject to weather conditions. You'll return to town around midday, with some free time for lunch before catching the transfer back to El Calafate. Given the possibility of windy conditions, it's advisable to dress in layers for this hike. Duration: Approx. 4 hours / Distance: 7km / Difficulty: Moderate

  08:00· 240 min· El Chalten
• Transfer · Chalten → Calafate

  After lunch, a transfer will take you back to El Calafate. Please be aware that we've planned a halfway stop at La Leona for restroom breaks and shopping. You'll reach your hotel late in the afternoon, with free time for dinner at your leisure.

  private · 210 min

No visit to Patagonia is complete without a visit to the Perito Moreno Glacier. Today, you'll explore Los Glaciares National Park and take in the breathtaking views of the glacier. The day includes a scenic boat navigation followed by a guided tour through the walkways and viewpoints, allowing ample time to appreciate the stunning vistas. As an optional activity, those seeking a closer experience with the glacier can join the ice-trekking on the blue ice of the Perito Moreno Glacier. We recommend dressing in layers to adapt to the changing weather conditions. This means wearing a synthetic t-shirt, a fleece jacket, and a waterproof jacket on top; along with long underwear, lightweight and quick-drying hiking trousers, and, of course, sturdy hiking boots.

• Perito Moreno Glacier & Nautical Safari Boat

  In the morning, following breakfast, you'll be picked up for a scenic one-hour transfer to Los Glaciares National Park. Upon arrival at the park entrance, you'll be registered and then continue with a 30-minute transfer to Bajo las Sombras port. Here, a catamaran will provide you with an awe-inspiring first look at the glacier. Embark on the comfortable catamaran for an exhilarating one-hour navigation surrounded by towering icebergs. Enjoy the spectacle of the Perito Moreno Glacier's impressive ice walls and its thunderous collapses into Lago Rico. After the navigation, a 20-minute transfer will take you to the walkways circuit. The walkways consist of a 2.5-mile system of paths and viewing platforms strategically positioned to offer unparalleled views of the Perito Moreno Glacier. You'll have ample free time to explore the walkways, take countless photos, and soak in the mesmerizing sights. Lunch is not included, but a restaurant near the parking area offers food, beverages, and restroom facilities. Once you've explored the various viewpoints of the glacier, you'll return to the hotel by transfer, arriving in the afternoon.

  09:00· 480 min· El Calafate

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then make your own way onward. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of Comandante Armando Tola International Airport (FTE).